Helenius tests positive for banned substance

Finnish heavyweight fighter Robert Helenius have tested positive for banned substance.

Matchroom Boxing confirmed that Helenius’s sample, taken before the fight against Anthony Joshua on 12^th August in London, returned with an “adverse analytical finding”.

Helenius, 39, stepped in to face Joshua after initial opponent Dillian Whyte also returned an “adverse analytical finding” in a test before the fight.

Joshua knocked out Helenius in round seven in London on 12 August.

“Today, the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (Vada) has informed Matchroom and the British Boxing Board of Control that Robert Helenius has returned an adverse analytical finding as part of a random anti-doping protocol,” Matchroom said in a statement on social media. “Matchroom defers to the relevant regulatory authorities on next steps. We vehemently continue to support voluntary anti-doping testing. We are committed to promoting a clean and fair sport for all athletes.”

Helenius insists that he didn’t use any performance enhancement substances. In a post on social media he said that he was tested entire career. He said he will do whatever it takes to clear his name.